University of Virginia alumnus Leland Melvin, a former space shuttle mission specialist and School of Engineering and Applied Science master’s program graduate, is the author of “Space Chasers,” a new graphic novel. Released this month, the book is the first in a series aimed at young readers.
In the fictional story, Melvin depicts himself as a mentor to a group of brilliant middle-schoolers from different backgrounds. They must learn to overcome setbacks to accomplish shared goals. The first installment features Tia, who has to think quickly as she and fellow kid astronauts try to save their space station, with no adults able to help them.
Melvin recently sat down for an interview with People magazine. An advocate for STEM education, Melvin emphasized that anyone who aspires to achieve remarkable things, such as a career in space, will endure challenges and make mistakes. Having support along the way is essential.
“People fail,” he said. “That's been my whole life: falling down, getting up, getting a second chance.”
Melvin earned his bachelor’s in chemistry, then pursued professional football before attending UVA Engineering for a master’s degree in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, which he earned in 1989. After graduation, he began work at NASA Langley Research Center.
A decade later, he applied to be an astronaut and was accepted to the program. During underwater training he suffered an injury that rendered him deaf — until surgery restored his hearing well enough for him to be cleared for duty. He flew two missions, both on the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Melvin created “Space Chasers” with Eisner Award-nominated comic creator Joe Caramagna and celebrated illustrator Alison Acton. The 240-page Vol.1, from Macmillan Publishers, is aimed at children 8-12.